Shop Garment District to Debut at New Times’ Artopia

With Spring training ending this week, you may be wondering where to spend your upcoming weekend at. Look no further than the Phoenix New Times annual Artopia event, hosted this year at The Saguaro Hotel, a hipster chic hangout in Scottsdale. Meant to showcase local talent and creativity, this event will be a great place to visit if you love shopping (seriously, who doesn’t?!), sipping on hand crafted cocktails or watching artists paint live. In fact, every type of art will be featured, including performing arts, fashion, visual art, design and culinary art. With food and drink sampling from six local eateries, including Distrito and Old Town Whiskey, be sure to come with an empty stomach and a few friends.

Phoenix Fashion Week was brought on as the official fashion partner for the evening, from the live models to nearly 20 fashion vendors for the Shop Garment District! “Working with Phoenix New Times is the perfect partnership, they support local fashion and we activate local fashion, a total win-win for both of us. Our bottom line is ‘Bridging Designers and Buyers’ and that is what your will experience when you shop our garment district at Artopia, ” said PHXFW Executive Director, Brian Hill. PHXFW’s Style Team will especially be putting their experience and creativity to good use this evening. “We are very excited to be working with Phoenix New Times for their Artopia event. We will be working with 8 models that will be acting as live mannequins and will be featuring one apparel designer or boutique and they will be paired with one accessory designer.

The models will be changing every 30 minutes (4 at a time) to provide fresh, hip looks all night long. The amazing part is that the attendees will be able to buy any of the apparel or accessories they see on the models at the actual event that night,” said PHXFW Style Director Justin Lee. Like he said, if you spot a unique accessory or outfit on one of our fabulous live models throughout the evening, be sure to head over to the vendor booths, every item is purchasable straight from the runway!

In fact, the three Big Brain Award winners in the fashion category, Ashley Eaton of Merry May, Aaron Kimberlin of Dapper & Dash and Greg Kerr of Miles to Go will also have their designs featured on the evening’s live mannequins. From convertible pieces at hipKNOTies (it’s a dress/scarf/skirt/shirt) and glitzy glam accessories at Tigerlilly Trunk Show to more menswear inspired clothing and accessories at Remix Watches and J. HILBURN, this event is sure to have anything you are looking for, while supporting local!

Here is a sneak peek into just a few of the Shop Garment District vendors you should look forward to this weekend!

Silicone, LED Illuminated Analog Watches. Each band and face is interchangeable with all 11 colors allowing over 100 color combinations. All watches are water resistant.

“Artopia guests will see our fun, affordable and fashion forward Remix Watches in full display. With over 11 colors available we will wow and amaze the masses with over 120 color combinations. As if that wasn’t enough, we plan to take the energy and excitement to the next level with our impressive LED shows and flashing lights!” –Owner Ryan Town

“Beehive Apparel will be featuring chic, unique and affordable clothing and accessories that will take the sting out of your wallet! Our motto is to “Bee Trendy and not Spendy”, because real style comes from mixing various colors and textures to create the feel of luxury and unique aesthetic that defines You! Get ready to buzz with style!”. – Owner Yaiza Brown

“Our motto is: ‘Looking chic shouldn’t cost a fortune’ so we bring hot off the runway trendy fashions and one of a kind accessories at super affordable prices. With 2 locations in the valley, we carry small quantities of each style keeping the inventory fresh and our customers look unique, fashionably chic and non-department store like. This weekend we will be featuring spring fashion apparel, tons of jewelry and some select unique purses.” – Owner Arthy Kumar

MEN’S WEAR

Offering exclusive Italian shirting and trouser fabrics, luxury performance knits, and a top-shelf accessories line that marries the best in handmade designs and European quality.

“J Hilburn Men’s Clothier offers luxury men’s custom and ready to wear apparel at amazing prices. Italian fabrics, expert craftsmanship, and personalized style selections make each custom garment uniquely his. Add concierge service at his home or office and it’s a wonderful way to satisfy every man’s clothing needs for both professional and social wardrobes.” – Brand Rep Holly Majcher

WHAT: Phoenix New Times’ ARTOPIA (21+ event)

WHERE: The Saguaro Hotel, 4000 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale

WHEN: Saturday, April 7th , 7-11pm

Shop Garment District is a unique shopping experience where fashionistas can find, fall in love with, and shop the next “IT” designers and brands from around the globe. With a goal of shining a bright light on talented emerging apparel and accessory designers that will lead to commerce on both retail and wholesale levels. With a true bottom line of providing a platform for emerging designers to reach a new audience. For more information, please visit our website.

**We love feedback, and we love our readers! Post a comment with which Shop Garment District vendor you will be shopping and one (1) lucky reader will win a pair of tickets (2) to the event! ($20 value)**